Dorli McWayne

Describe your experience with the Equinox. Have you participated in the full marathon, the relay, and/or the ultra? How many times?

I’m not sure how many times I’ve done the full marathon, but it’s at least 10. My first was in 1974, when I’d only been here a month and had never run more than 2 consecutive miles in my life. The then Museum Director, Lu Rowinski, asked me if I was going to participate (as did about 1500 people in those days). He challenged me by saying “even my wife does it, and she’s 40!” That seemed really old to me at the time , so I did it. It cost $2 to register and I did finish — just in time for my 2 PM orchestra rehearsal.

When do you start training for this race? How much of the course itself do you incorporate into your training? How often do you incorporate the Dome into your training?

I try to get in longer runs of 12 plus miles starting in May, but almost never do Ester Dome. I run in the woods by my house.

What are your key workouts in preparation for this race?

August is almost always a business travel month for me, so I try to get in a 22 miles run somewhere in the lower 48.

What’s your favorite part of the course?

The trails and going up Ester Dome.

Your least favorite part?

Going down the chute is my least favorite.

Describe the best moment you’ve experienced during this race.

FINISHING.

Describe the worst.

Yearly cramping from the chute onward — sometimes all the way to the Geophysical hill. No amount of training, eating, drinking seems to solve this problem, so I’m blaming the chute.

Do you consider yourself a competitive runner?

Only on race days.

What are your running goals/fitness goals?

Just to keep running.

What’s the best advice or training tips you can share with others who are new to this race?

Race day — don’t go out too fast and save yourself on the hills; walk them.

Have you made any big training errors, or race day flubs that adversely affected your enjoyment or time in this race?

See above.

Any plans on participating in the Equinox this year? This race has been described as one of the most grueling marathons in the country! What keeps you motivated to participate in this event?